“Open Doors Wider for Skilled Immigrants”

A Businessweek.com columnist commented on the new study of immigrant entrepreneurs in high tech, which I posted on below, and referred to his and others’ study of this matter over the years. He concludes: “My view: Let’s build really high [immigration] fences, but have big gates. Let’s be very selective in whom we admit, but open the doors to as many as we need.”

Skilled immigrants provide one of the U.S.’s greatest strengths. They contribute to the economy, create jobs, and lead innovation. A new study I helped lead at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, where I am an executive-in-residence, shows they are fueling the creation of hi-tech business across our nation and creating a wealth of intellectual property. To keep our global competitive edge, we need to attract more of the world’s best and brightest. And we need them to come here and put down deep roots

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Vivek Wadhwa, the founder of two software companies, is an Executive-in-Residence/Adjunct Professor at Duke University. He is also the co-founder of TiE Carolinas, a networking and mentoring group.